How to Clean Paintings?

Cleaning works of art is a delicate task requiring great care, best entrusted to a professional. Owners of a work of art are advised to dust the piece hanging on the wall at least once every six months and to inspect it for any changes - this will help keep it in "good shape", and if something starts to go wrong, you will notice it quickly.

If you want to dust an acrylic or oil painting, you can use a wide, soft, natural-bristle artist's brush. First make sure there is no flaking paint or varnish, and then gently and unhurriedly brush the dust off the work of art.

The painting should be held over a clean table, so that the dust that is removed falls downward. The cleaning itself should be done carefully, without rushing, and gently, first in one direction and then in another, so that all the dust settles on the working surface.

If the surface of the painting is matte (resembling sandpaper), this should not be done, as cleaning may leave marks on the work. Likewise, be careful if the work of art is varnished and the brush you are cleaning with is coarse. It is best to use a wide, natural-bristle artist's brush.

Never use cloths or coarse brushes. Cloths can catch on the paint and leave small stuck-on fibers or chip off flakes of paint. A brush can also damage the paint layer.

The frame itself can also be wiped with a dry cloth, but do this carefully as well - some frames, especially high-end wooden ones, are coated with a thin foil that can easily be rubbed off if wiped too hard.

If you keep a work in storage, it is also advisable to inspect and clean it at least once every six months.

What should you look out for?

1. Black spots appearing on the back of the canvas - this means the work of art is being kept in too humid a room and bacteria are multiplying on its other side

2. Insect remains, cobwebs - these should be cleaned off.

3. Check whether the stretcher and frame have been damaged by wood-boring pests.

4. Check for mold or flaking paint.